Women in Himalayan Buddhist Traditions: Transmission and Transformation

About this event:

The very mention of Himalayan Buddhism conjures visions of an exotic tradition: a gong reverberating amidst resonant baritone voices, a red-robed monk gliding serenely off into the sunset, and delightful young acolytes giggling and blowing bubbles. But where are the women, and how long will it take for them to get in the picture?

Awakened women appear boldly in Buddhist legend, but the actual voices of Himalayan women seem to be missing. In the Himalayan region, almost all religious leaders are male, and the contradictions between Buddha’s egalitarian teachings and the patriarchal structuring of Buddhist institutions are stark. In recent years, however, significant changes have been taking place for Buddhist women around the world. Major challenges still lie ahead, but the shift in attitudes and opportunities for women in Himalayan Buddhist societies has been quite remarkable. What accounts for this shift? Awakening, the goal of the Buddhist path, is ultimately beyond gender. The challenge is how to translate this noble ideal into practice for the good of all.

In the contemporary revitalization of Buddhism and its transmission to non-Buddhist societies, one of the most intriguing developments has been the prominence of women in global Buddhist forums and publications. In the contemporary convergence of Buddhist, feminist, and democratic ideals, a more equitable role for Himalayan Buddhist women is anticipated but continues to slip out of view. This talk reflects on the age-old assumptions about Buddhism and gender that are currently the focus of both critical scholarship and intercultural exchange. In particular, it will examine the relationship between Buddhist texts and gender justice in the Himalayan region.

Location and schedule:

The event is online-only via Zoom.

Saturday, August 24, 2024
3:30 pm- 5:00 pm Eastern Time (Click here for a time converter.)

Fees:

The Soto Zen Buddhist Association relies on the generosity of its supporters to offer programming.  All fees offered through registration will be shared with speakers and panelists. We suggest a sliding scale registration fee of $10-15 for online participation.  No one will be turned away due to lack of funds.

About the speaker:

Karma Lekshe Tsomo holds a Ph.D. in Comparative Philosophy from the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa and taught at the University of San Diego from 2000 to 2022.  As a Buddhist nun, scholar, and social activist, she specializes in Buddhist studies, death and dying, Buddhism and bioethics, Buddhist transnationalism, comparative religious ethics, Buddhist feminist philosophy, meditation, and conflict transformation. She currently teaches Tibetan Buddhism and Death and Dying at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa.
 
Dr. Tsomo is a Buddhist nun and social activist who helped found and direct the Sakyadhita International Association of Buddhist Women, Sakyadhita Hawai’i, Sanghamitra Institute, and Jamyang Foundation, an innovative program that supports the education for women and girls in the Himalayan region of India, the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh, and other developing countries.

Her journey as a Buddhist began as a child because her family name was Zenn. She received a novice ordination in France in 1977 and a full ordination in Korea in 1982. Her work and dedication have significantly contributed to Buddhist studies and women’s education globally.